Hardin County is located in the Till Plains ecoregion, straddling the Continental Divide, and it is primarily agricultural. The northern half of the county is in the Lake Erie Watershed, draining directly north through the Blanchard River, which has its origin in the county (see p. 11 in Ohio Coastal Atlas: Chapter 2 for a detailed watershed map). The southern half of the county is in the Ohio River Watershed, draining through the Scioto River, which crosses both the western and eastern county borders. A small southern portion also feeds the Great Miami headwaters. This is one of our under-represented counties, and any additional observations would be useful.

Places to Visit

• Saulisberry Park is a community park of Kenton Ohio, providing camping and fishing at the site of an old stone quarry. There is parking and walking access to the water. Odonata species are skimmers and pond damsels. 34 species recorded.

• Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve has a small wetland pond and a number of vernal pool areas. The wetland has a platform and is on the boardwalk. 22 species have been identified. Good in the spring before the algae takes over. Consistent site for Great Blue Skimmer when in season. Parking lot, no restrooms.

• Veterans Memorial Park East side of Kenton, adjacent to the golf course and Scioto River. The park has a small shallow pond and a larger pond used for fishing and to irrigate the golf course. A reliable location for Rainbow Bluet and routine skimmers and other pond damselflies. 31 species have been identified. There are several parking areas and paths.

County Observation Activity

This graph shows the total number of odonata observations for the county in blue, with the average for all Ohio counties in orange. The season is divided into 10 or 11 day segments by Month – basically early-month, mid-month, and late-month.